International Year of Camelids

International Year of Camelids

The United Nations declared 2024 the International Year of Camelids (IYC 2024). The Year highlighted how camelids are key to the livelihoods of millions of households across over 90 countries. From alpacas to Bactrian camels, dromedaries, guanacos, llamas, and vicuñas, camelids contribute to food security, nutrition and economic growth as well as holding a strong cultural significance for communities across the world.  

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PUBLICATION SERIES

Camelids: Heroes of Deserts and Highlands, Nourishing People and Culture

As a legacy of the International Year of Camelids, FAO is developing a comprehensive, science and evidence-based publication series entitled "Camelids: Heroes of Deserts and Highlands, Nourishing People and Culture".

 

Volume 1

History of camelids

Volume 2

Camelid biodiversity, population trends and geographic distribution

INTERACTIVE STORY

Heroes of deserts and highlands

Meet the camelids in 3D and see how they help sustain livelihoods, cultures and more.

 

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Heroes of deserts and highlands- Interactive story
VIDEO AND PHOTOS

Climate resilient treasures boosting local economies

Camels are vital to Mauritania’s culture, economy, and food security. Discover how FAO and the Mauritanian government are empowering communities by improving camel milk production, training cooperatives, and supporting sustainable livelihoods.

 

Video Photos
STORY

Documenting the Dromedary Camels of Mauritania

In January 2025, Zied Ben Romdhane traveled to Mauritania with the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to highlight the importance of camelids for the socio-economic progress of the local community.

 

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Periurban camel market in Nouakchott. Mauritania. January 28, 2025. All images © Zied Ben Romdhane / Magnum Photos
RESOURCES

Spread the word

Visual identity

Download posters, virtual backgrounds, gadget designs, web and event banners and so much more from the International Year of Camelids Asset Bank. Read the Visual Identity Guidelines for instructions on how to use and adapt the visual.

Communication Handbook

Find out more about how you can take part and promote the International Year of Camelids 2024 by reading the Communication Handbook.

 

Trello Board

Inform, educate and engage audiences by sharing free material on the #YearofCamelids on your digital channels.

 

VIDEO

International Year of Camelids 2024

Look and share the #YearofCamelids video on social media and among your networks.

 

Playlist
WEBPAGE

Explore Camelids! A Fun Journey for Kids

Learn interesting facts, read exciting stories, and participate in engaging activities to understand why camelids are so important around the world.

 

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Explore Camelids! A Fun Journey for Kids
Camelids include Bactrian camels, dromedary camels, and wild camels as well as domesticated llamas and alpacas,  wild vicuñas and guanacos.
Camelids are key to the livelihoods of millions of households in over 90 countries, particularly Indigenous Peoples and local communities
Camelids are a key source of meat, milk, fibre and fertilizer in deserts and highlands
Bactrian camels and dromedaries are called “ships of the desert” for their capacity to survive in challenging circumstances, travelling vast distances often through extreme conditions, and surviving long periods without water
Camelids first appeared in America 45 million years ago. Llamas and alpacas were the main livestock in pre-Hispanic times used as work animals and for the production of meat and fibre.
In South America, there are approximately 7.5 million alpacas, 4 million llamas, 350 000 vicuñas and 600 000 guanacos. 200 000 families breed and manage these animals in the Andean highlands.
In the past two decades, the global population of Bactrian camels and dromedary camels has almost doubled, from 22 million heads in 2001 to 39 million heads in 2021. 87% of these camels are found in Africa and almost 13% in Asia